Wheels, Tyres & Components
A Wheel is one of the most significant inventions of all time. By definition, it is a circular component that is made to rotate on an axle bearing. Wheel and axle is one of the six simple machines. Wheel, along with axle is capable of moving heavy objects facilitating transportation while supporting load or performing labor in machines. Wheels are also used for other purposes, such as a ship's wheel, steering wheel, potter's wheel and flywheel. The oldest known wheel found in an archaeological excavation is from Mesopotamia, and dates to around 3500 BC which fall in the Bronze Age.
A tyre is a ring-shaped component that is designed to fit around a wheel's rim to transfer a vehicle's load to the surface and to provide traction on the terrain traveled over. Most tyres, such as those for automobiles, motorcycles and bicycles, are pneumatically inflated structures, which also provide a flexible cushion working as shock absorbers as the tire rolls over rough features on the surface.